This week saw the return of the AIM Independent Music Awards; this year’s ceremony was held at London’s Roundhouse in Camden on Wednesday, 28th September 2022. The annually held event aims to highlight the independent music industry whilst championing independent artists and labels.
The 2022 award show marked the twenty-third event held by the Association of Independent Music (AIM); AIM’s site provides the organisation’s mission statement; “AIM is the not-for-profit trade body exclusively representing the UK’s independent music sector, which makes up a quarter of the recorded music market. Now in its 20th year, AIM’s members range from the largest, most respected record labels and associated music businesses in the world to self-releasing artists and the next generation of entrepreneurs in music. AIM promotes and supports this exciting and diverse sector globally and provides a range of services, commercial opportunities and practical help to members, enabling them to innovate, grow and break into new markets.”
Talking about this year’s ceremony, AIM CEO Paul Pacifo stated, “Tonight is about us as a community celebrating the incredible successes of the world-beating U.K. independent music sector. It is a hugely competitive market out there, but we understand that we are stronger together and a win for one of us is a win for all of us.”
Such a beautiful album. Well done to @cleosol! @4livingoriginal pic.twitter.com/IfZ1wMH1hQ
— AIM (@AIM_UK) September 28, 2022
Consisting of twenty-one award categories, the annual ceremony saw some of the UK’s most prominent figures and labels within the independent music industry battle it out for the prestigious accolades. The first category, Best Independent album, was awarded to singer-songwriter Cleo Sol for her album Mother, also included within the nominees was chart favourite Dave, for his release We’re All Alone In This Together. The British rapper was also nominated for Best Independent Track for the single “Starlight“; the gong was bestowed to Nova Twins for their track “Antagonist”. The rock duo were also nominated for the coveted U.K. Independent breakthrough gong; fellow chart darling Wet Leg took home the award. Speaking via a video link, the group stated, “Thanks so much for the breakthrough award. It’s been a really wild year for us and we just want to take this opportunity to thank our team and all the other members of our new-found family. As a great man once said, ‘To infinity and beyond!‘”
An incredible headline set from @libertines #AIMAwards2022 @RoughTradeRecs pic.twitter.com/kj4qUOkcQQ
— AIM (@AIM_UK) September 28, 2022
.@LethalBizzle smashed it! pic.twitter.com/GCFd9B71HR
— AIM (@AIM_UK) September 28, 2022
Along with the winning announcements, the event became a massive hit for its headliner act, Indie legends The Libertines performed at the ceremony. Also billed to appear as a special guest was British icon Lethal Bizzle; during the award show the London-born artist was awarded the Outstanding Contribution gong to honour his contribution to the arts and to celebrate his two-decade-long career. Speaking to BANG Showbiz, the artist said, “It feels great, you know, I’m 20 plus years in and when you get to this stage in your career sometimes things can be forgotten. I feel like it’s a nice acknowledgement and it’s a proud moment for my hard work to be recognised like this.”
The 40-year-old Grime star’s performance marked his first live appearance since the pandemic; within his statement, Lethal Bizzle continued to discuss his touring plans, “This year I dropped my new project, a celebratory 20th anniversary project called ‘Lethal B vs Lethal Bizzle’ which is out now and I’m still working on that right now. And next year, I’m hoping to get back on the road. I’m actually performing tonight, it’s gonna be my first show since the pandemic so, you know, I’m gonna be a bit rusty but it’s gonna be fun.“
